Resident Advisory Committee

What is the Resident Advisory Committee (RAC)?

All members of the Home Forward community have a voice in major policy decisions through the Resident Advisory Committee. When Home Forward looks at big decisions that may impact a large part of our community, we want to hear from the people who participate in our different housing programs. The job of the Resident Advisory Committee is to be that voice. The committee is made up of 10-20 volunteers who either live in a Home Forward apartment or participate in our Section 8 program.

The committee holds at least four public meetings every year, conducts six worksessions, and reports the results of their work to Home Forward’s Board of Commissioners. The Resident Commissioner of the Board also co-chairs the advisory committee.

The committee is not involved in specific building maintenance, operations or staffing issues, or resident disputes. This allows the committee to be inclusive of the opinions and experiences of the entire Home Forward community.

How does someone become a RAC member?

Each year applications are accepted to help fill vacancies on the committee. We strive to include members who mirror the diversity of programs and reflect the wide range of people served by Home Forward. After finalists are interviewd by staff and other committee members, the final selection of new members is completed by the Home Forward Board of Commissioners.

Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m at rotating locations. Guests who would like to give public comment are asked to arrive promptly and sign in with a staff member. Meeting sites are accessible, and persons with disabilities may call 503.802.8508 or 503.802.8554 (TTY) to request accommodations (e.g. assisted listening devices, sign language, and/or oral interpreter) at least three business days before the scheduled meeting. Only service animals are welcome to public meetings.

Here is a list of scheduled public meeting dates (meetings begin at 6 pm):

December 10, 2019 at the Martha Washington Apartments located at 1115 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205 This meeting will include a public comment period related to the City of Portland's proposed Administrative Rules related to screening processes for rental housing: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/phb/article/744389